THE LOCAL AREA

The Local Area - What to do When Visiting Higher Melcombe Manor

The Dorset Gap

This former crossroads - once the hub of central Dorset - is a well known beauty spot and a magnet for ramblers, who follow the local bridleways to find the visitors' book in its wooden mail box. The Dorset Gap is on the Higher Melcombe estate - some fifteen to twenty minutes walk from the Manor. The tracks do not end there, but continue up to the Dorset Downs and the Wessex Ridgeway, with magnificent views and the chance to see buzzards, orchids and butterflies. The track crosses agricultural land, so boots or wellies are essential when the ground is wet.There is a splendid 6 mile circular route through peaceful countryside with a chance for lunch at the Fox Inn at Ansty.

Hardy's Cottage

Thomas Hardy's Cottage is just outside Dorchester and a 30 minute drive from Higher Melcombe. Hardy was born in this small thatched cottage in 1840, which stands at the top of the hill off Cuckoo Lane in Higher Bockhampton. Behind the secluded cottage with its flourishing old cottage garden stretches Egdon Heath, which Hardy wrote of in 'The Return of the Native'.

Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Higher Melcombe Manor is only 20 miles - some 40 minutes drive - from Weymouth and the Isle of Portland, in the middle of the Dorset stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Fishing boats, restaurants and more walks, certainly, but good beaches too - and plenty of sailing: Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy is the official venue for the Olympic Sailing events in 2012. You can book with us now... West of Dorchester the county opens up into yet more magnificent countryside and coast - the 18 mile long Chesil Beach protecting the Fleet Lagoon, Abbotsbury with its Swannery, the historic market town of Bridport...

Local Pubs and Restaurants

The Fox Inn at Ansty Recently refurbished, a traditional country inn in the middle of Dorset with good food and excellent value. 3 mins by car.www.anstyfoxinn.co.uk : 01258 880328

The Hambro Arms The Hambro Arms is located in the picturesque and historic village of Milton Abbas, in the heart of beautiful Dorset. Milton Abbas, which features on many picture postcards of Dorset, is a 'chocolate box' village, with identical thatched cottages and a unique history. It is believed to be the first 'planned village' in England.www.hambroarms.com : 01258 880233

The Blue Vinny The new owners are passionate about producing the very best food at accessible prices, as well as extending a warm and friendly welcome to locals and visitors alike. www.thebluevinny.co.uk : 01305 848228

The Brace of Pheasants Phil and Carol Bennett would like to welcome you to the heart of Plush and the beautiful surrounding countryside of this idyllic Dorset hamlet.www.braceofpheasants.co.uk : 01300 348357